Justin Edinburgh has wished the Gills well despite criticism from his former boss.

Gills chairman Paul Scally attended an employment tribunal on Monday, defending the club from what he described as a “ridiculous claim” made by their former manager Edinburgh.

The case was eventually adjourned until later in the year.

Edinburgh was sacked by the Gills on January 3, with the club sitting 17 in League 1. Ten days later he was employed as manager of Northampton Town on a two and a half year contract.

Details of Edinburgh’s claim against the Gills have yet to be disclosed, but Mr Scally, who was speaking at a fans’ forum on Tuesday night, was not happy.

Mr Scally said: He brought a ridiculous claim against the club. It was just disgusting.

“I spent all day at the tribunal convincing the judge that it had to be adjourned. Justin and David Kerslake (Gills’ former assistant manager) were sitting there smugly, not caring about Gillingham Football Club.”

Gillingham played Edinburgh’s Northampton on the final day of last season and under the management of Ady Pennock then managed to narrowly escape relegation.

Edinburgh refused to shake Pennock’s hand that day.

“His conduct towards our staff was appalling,” said Mr Scally, who admitted to giving the Northampton hierarchy a glowing reference for Edinburgh.

“He didn’t lose his job because of our (current management) guys, he lost it because of what he wasn’t doing, rather than what we were doing. He wasn't doing his job properly in my view.”

When asked for a response to that criticism, Edinburgh said: “The Kent media have today (Wednesday) brought Mr Scally’s comments from last night to my attention.

“Whilst we clearly disagree, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Gillingham Football Club all the best for the new season.”

Gillingham take on Northampton on Saturday, October 21 at Priestfield.

More on the Gills: The Shouting Men column features midfielder Ben Chapman